Amalfi Coast to Loreto Aruptina

Jul 5, 2011

We left the accommodation as early as we could – you have to fit in a big Italian breakfast first! And drove around the Amalfi Coast. Those of you that have done this will be smiling about now – its madness. The roads are so narrow and there’s cars everywhere. Having said that, it is totally gorgeous and well worth it. The homes are built right down the cliffs and there are lemon groves everywhere. We stopped at a fruit and vege stall because we couldn’t believe how big the lemons looked. They are huge. So are the Quinces.

After a long drive we arrived at the B&B in Loreto Aruptina – a small village just inland from Pescara on the opposite coast of Italy. The accommodation is so lovely with the most amazing pool area.

We had booked in to have dinner at our accommodation because Nicola had read in Cuisine magazine that their food was great. We sat down at the table with about 15 other people speaking various languages. Such a great experience. The kids ended up telling jokes to all the adults and the conversations around the table were so interesting. One of the couples had rebuilt their home in Los Angeles after a big earthquake – they understood exactly how we were feeling about Christchurch.

The first course was cheese with honey – delicious. Then a truffle choux pastry sitting on a light pesto, then Vegetables baked in tomatoes and herbs, then a spelt risotto, then homemade pasta (amazing), then lamb (very crunchy on outside and tender in the middle) with salad, then strawberry tart with lemony marscapone filling. As much wine as you wanted. As you can imagine we were stuffed full once again.